JLL has acquired Ocian, a specialist real estate debt advisory firm, in a move that significantly expands its debt and structured finance capabilities in Australia. The strategic acquisition will solidify JLL’s leadership in providing capital solutions in Australia’s evolving A$75 billion ($48 billion) commercial real estate debt market.
Ocian’s co-founders, Danny Kent and Darren O’Hanlon, will join JLL’s debt and structured finance business to spearhead growth across Australia and New Zealand.
“We are seeing renewed confidence in the market as interest rates decline, reinforced by increased deal flow across investment sales and development,” said Luke Billiau, head of capital markets, JLL Australia and New Zealand. “Clients are seeking more sophisticated capital solutions that go beyond the traditional brokerage platform, while demanding strategic advice on optimal capital structures and early access to opportunities.”
Billiau added: “This a
